An arable farmer from Nottinghamshire has shown his commitment to enhancing the landscape and wildlife on his farm by signing up to Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme.

Robert Bower (55), a third generation tenant farmer at Manor Farm in Carburton, Worksop, is now benefiting from government funding for several projects which will encourage wildlife to thrive across the farm’s 500 acres.

As part of his involvement with the stewardship scheme, a project is already underway to repair some of the sluice gates of an existing flood meadow system to provide the perfect habitat for lapwings, snipe and other bird life. Several ponds are currently being created on arable fields, which will also help control water run-off.

Pollen and nectar rich plants have been sown on half of an arable field to encourage butterflies and insects, with the other half being planted with wild bird seed. Robert is also sowing  a considerable number of grass margins which will act as wildlife corridors connecting various habitats Some of these  grass margins or wildlife corridors will also connect the farm to the Clumber Park and Carburton Lake SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest),with the aim of enticing more birds and insects onto the farmland.

Some of the farm’s fields have been planted with low input spring barley. On these particular fields Robert uses less fertiliser and sprays than are used conventionally to create a more appealing habitat for wildlife. This will help attract more insects and birds.

In addition to this wildlife-focussed work, Robert has also sown a 16-acre field with grass as it contains important archaeological remains of what is thought to be a number of Roman dwellings. Two further fields have also been sown with the same mix to prevent wind and water erosion.

Some other areas of permanent grassland are also being managed for invertebrates and grazed with native breeds of sheep in conjunction with a grazier who is also in the process of buying native breeds of cattle whilst also increasing the size of the sheep flock directly as a result of HLS. The same grazier is in the process of developing a range of traditional beef and lamb joints using the off spring of the breeding animals. Some years ago Robert sold his own beef from the farm, which was a great success, so he is taking a  particular interest in this project.

Robert, well known locally for his role as kennelman for the Readyfield Bloodhounds, said: “Although I’m a commercial arable farmer I have always had a keen interest in birdlife, insects and the natural environment. Living and working in such a very rich place for birdlife is amazing and I want others to be able to appreciate this too.”

Natural England has also recently agreed to fund educational access on the farm and Robert has purchased a specially adapted farm trailer so that he can take people on tours in comfort.

He added: “Over the years I have been very fortunate to gain considerable knowledge of wildlife and different ways to get the most out of our fabulous countryside. I have always been happy to open up the farm to local schools and other farmers. I believe it that it is essential to share best practice and hopefully inspire other people to take up the stewardship scheme and help protect the wildlife for many future generations to come.”

In 2006, Manor Farm won the Wilkinson Environmental Award for Robert’s commitment to enhancing the environment. One of the judges commented that he was particularly impressed with Robert’s willingness to change and adapt to modern farming practises, whilst also improving wildlife habitats on his farm.

Geoff Sansome, Natural England Regional Director, said: “Robert’s is just one of many farms entered into one of our Higher Level Stewardship schemes which put a focus back on wildlife and how important it is to our natural environment.        

Natural England has launched its State of the Natural Environment report this week calling for a new approach to managing our environment and it is therefore fantastic to hear about the many projects he has planned which will benefit wildlife, protect historic features and help preserve the landscape and native breeds. ”

Robert was born on a farm in Mansfield before moving with his parents to Manor Farm, where his grandfather worked, when he was 10. Interestingly, and quite ironically, his grandfather was a war agricultural officer for the Worksop area, which meant he spent his time instructing farmers to plough up their grassland for food. Today, farmers are encouraged, through schemes such as HLS, to put grassland back down to encourage wildlife to flourish.

Environmental Stewardship is an agri-environment scheme which provides funding to farmers and other land managers in England who deliver effective environmental management on their land. The scheme's primary objectives are to conserve wildlife, maintain and enhance landscape quality and character, protect the historic environment and natural resources, promote public access and understanding of the countryside and protect natural resources.

Environmental Stewardship has three elements:

• Entry Level Stewardship (ELS):

Open to all farmers and landowners
Simple and effective land management.

• Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS):

Organic strand of ELS
Open to all farmers not receiving Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) aid.

• Higher Level Stewardship (HLS):

Targeted environmental management.
Capital work plans.

More than 4,000 farmers in the East Midlands who have signed up for Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) and Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) since March 2005 are receiving more than £20 million funding per year.

Funding is not restricted and is available now to all eligible farmers and land managers in the East Midlands. A variety of 50 options are available and farmers can choose those which suit their farm and business.

Notes to editors

• Farm facts: A 10-year Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreement began on Manor Farm in 1997. In February 2008 this was expanded and transferred into Higher Level Stewardship. Manor Farm is centrally placed between the Estates of Welbeck, Clumber, Thoresby (just entered into HLS), Worksop Manor with the Birklands and Sherwood Forest to the South (also entered into HLS). It is therefore part of one of the most important ecological areas in the county much of which has recently come into HLS.

• The farm produces carrots, crisping potatoes, sugar beet, spring barley and now grass as part of the HLS. Currently, there are dozens of sheep with up to 14 cattle expected to arrive this summer.

• Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.